BDS student arrested by UP ATS for alleged links with ISIS handlers - 'Supported idea of global Caliphate'

• UP ATS arrests dental student for alleged ISIS online links
• Accused used social media for extremist content and youth recruitment
• Probe continues to identify others in ISIS-linked network

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The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested a 19-year-old dental student for allegedly being linked to an online network connected to the banned terrorist group ISIS. Officials said the student was involved in spreading extremist ideas and trying to recruit young people through social media and encrypted messaging platforms, PTI reported.

According to ATS officials, quoted by PTI, they had been receiving reliable intelligence about some individuals in UP and other parts of India who were active in an ISIS-linked online network. These individuals were allegedly promoting extremist jihadist ideology and attempting to attract new members, according to the report.

Based on this information, the ATS started detailed surveillance, both online and on the ground. After confirming the inputs, a case was registered at the ATS Police Station in Lucknow under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

During the investigation, the ATS arrested Harish Ali, a second-year BDS student and a resident of Saharanpur district. He was taken into custody from Moradabad on March 16, as per the PTI report.

Use of social media for radicalisation

Police revealed that the accused was active on platforms like Instagram and encrypted apps such as Session and Discord. He allegedly used these platforms to create private groups where extremist content was shared.

Officials said he operated multiple fake accounts and used VPN services to hide his identity. Through these accounts, he allegedly spread ISIS propaganda, including videos, audio messages, magazines, and speeches by extremist leaders, according to the report.

The content often glorified militants and encouraged people to support the group’s ideology. The aim was to influence young minds and bring them into the network.

Links with foreign handlers

During questioning, the ATS found that the accused was in touch with handlers linked to ISIS, including individuals based in Pakistan and other countries. He was also allegedly connected with other extremist associates, referred to as “mujahideen”, according to a report by The Times of India.

Officials said he created a separate online group called “Al Ittihad Media Foundation,” which was used to spread propaganda more widely in India, as per the report. He also regularly followed ISIS media outlets like Al-Naba and Dabiq and shared their content with others.

According to the ATS, the accused was part of a larger conspiracy aimed at weakening the country’s democratic system and establishing a global Caliphate based on Sharia law.

During interrogation, the accused allegedly admitted that he did not believe in democracy and supported the idea of a global Caliphate. He is also said to have encouraged members of his groups to carry out “fidayeen” or suicide attacks, as per the TOI report.

The accused has been presented before a court, and further legal action is in progress.

ATS officials, as quoted by TOI, said the investigation is still ongoing. They are now working to identify other individuals connected to this network and to understand the full scale of the online module operating both within India and abroad.